Lingle taps Ching as interim labor chief

The private attorney is a former deputy attorney general

Private attorney and former school board member Darwin Ching has been named as the new interim director of the state Labor Department, according to a news release from Gov. Linda Lingle.

Ching, 60, replaces Nelson Befitel, who did not want to serve a second term.

Ching is expected to start work Aug. 6.

In 2004 and in 2006, Ching ran unsuccessfully for the state Board of Education. Lingle appointed him to fill a vacancy on the board and strongly endorsed his candidacy.

He also served as platform committee chairman to several GOP state conventions.

"Darwin clearly understands the importance of preparing our future work force to compete in the global marketplace, while continually upgrading the skills of our current workers," Lingle said in her release.

Earlier this year, Republican Lingle had said she was having trouble finding someone to serve as labor director because of the difficult confirmation process with the Democratic majority in the state Senate.

"All I can say is I will do my best and hope for the best. I hope I will be able to show the Legislature that I will come in with a collaborative approach," Ching said.

He is a former deputy prosecutor and deputy attorney general.

Ching has also represented workers before the Disability Compensation Division of the Labor Department and the labor Board of Appeals and has served as an arbitrator.

Ching's nomination will be subject to Senate confirmation when the Legislature reconvenes next year.